Florida International is excited to be playing in its first bowl game in six years, and the Panthers are peaking, having won and covered their final four regular-season games while averaging 43.3 points. They routed Sam Houston State 56-16 on Nov. 29 while racking up 594 total yards of offense, including 303 on the ground. Keyone Jenkins threw for 291 yards and three TDs, and he is expected to play in this game after recovering from a groin injury. FIU is 5-0 ATS after totaling more than 450 yards in its previous game, and the Panthers are 4-0 ATS after allowing fewer than 170 yards passing. The First Responder Bowl will be played at SMU's home field, and UTSA is 1-7-1 ATS in its past nine games on FieldTurf. The Roadrunners will be missing at least six defensive players due to the transfer portal. Florida International features running Kejon Owens, the Conference USA Player of the Year, who rushed for 1,298 yards on 6.3 per carry with 11 TDs. The Panthers are 8-3 ATS in their past 11 games as underdogs. UTSA has allowed 55 points twice this season to North Texas and South Florida. Take Florida International ATS and on the moneyline.
These picks were released to clients on December 26, 2025 at 8:16AM ET.
Florida International vs. Texas-San Antonio
December 26, 2025
2 units on Florida International +6 (-108) (risk 2 to return 3.85)
Result:
LOSS
LOSS
0.5 unit on Florida International +190 (moneyline) (risk 0.5 to return 1.45)
Result:
LOSS
LOSS
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